Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-07-05
FERNcLrFF AND ITS FEATURES.


About the first thing the average New
York visitor from Springfield does, on his
arrival, is to 20 TO see Central park. In
this, he does well, but those Springfield
people who have not seen Central park
will do well 20 bear in mind that there is
nothing in that park or any other. of CORE
spending dimensions, that is finer than the
Kelly lake and its surroundings In Fern
cliff, in this city. Ii is, itself, pure, clear
body of spring water. with graceful coast
line." having in its center an ''emerald
isle," and with its outlines and green banks,
II presents most charming picture, and
new one from each new standpoint one
may take Ii may be seen from four sep
arate avenues. leading to il, and il is ditii-
cult for one 10 decide which of all is the
NEST delightful. Mr.. Ii. NJ. Shepherd. n
Ferncliff official who has made the matter
study. says the finest view Is from the
top of the slope north of il. This il the lot
owned by Mr.. William Feos. who pur-
chased the beautiful swans who live in the
lake. in New York. and in honor of whom
and his wife, they are respectively named
.sWilliam" and Sarah" These swans, il
is said, never leave the lake except
to climb this Foos slope, look about
and return-viSiting no other
locality-and this is certainly a remarkable
coincidence, or. perhaps all indication that
swans know more about some things than
people think they do. Mr.. Shepherd. We
may add has done something quite credit
able, at his own expense. in the way of
adoning the grounds, having discovered
and transferred from the country to his lot.
adjoining the FoOs lot. and overlooking the
| lake, a aremarkably-Shsped hit of granite.
and so pierced it As 10 provide for a heauti-
| full fountain. Seats should be placed on
the west slope, adjoining the lake. so that
strollers could sit down and enjoy the view
from that point, by the hour, if they desire
to. From this point through the trees
one can see the new Mast house. in the dis
tance, with the appearance of an old-world
castle. On July 4th 1887. the writer saw a
few bits of scarlet foliage. the first he has
Yet noticed this year.
Indeed. Ferncliff is, as whole. unique.
The avenue by which ii is entered. a. we
have often said, is unequslled by any park
entrance in the world With the Lagonda
on one side and the wall OF ern-and-lichen-
covered rocks on the other. with fountains
playing at intervals, il presents picture
one could afford 10 go far 10 see.
Art has done much 10 supplement- nature
in Ferncliff, in addition 10 the winding
avenues. The Italian marble tigure-cut
in the Carrara quarries-with stands on top
of the Bacon monument, has been admired
for years by those who are accustomed Ia
visit Ferncliff. Then the granite figure on
the Buxton monument. near by, is certainly
graceful, commanding and beautiful Not
far off is the granite shaft, reared over the
remaIns of the father of Ferncliff-John
Ludlow. The monument is, aS he WAS
clean. white. symmetrical Iuaieslir al
ways commanding admiration and re-
spect
Many are now making especial visits Ia
! cilitlil, to see lHt new monument 4
granite pulpit, covered with an open Bible
standing over the grave of the late Rev.
Joseph Clokey, ID. ID. This has already
been fully described in these columns. bal
hardly too much can be said in praise Of
the appropriateness and beauty of the con
ception and of lis realization in granite
But there are other monuments and de
lightful features too numerous for detailed
descriptions. and the true lover OF nature
and art may spend days in looking at them,
and then wish to go again and Finger longer.
Those who would like 10 travel and see fine
things, in other localities, and yet lack the
means. should make excursions 10 Ferurlifi
and view scenery uneNcelled in its line in
any OF the parks of America or Europe